How to Prevent Syphilis Effectively

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Avoiding vaginal, anal or oral sex is the most effective preventive measure against syphilis

Syphilis can be cured and there are other ways to make sure you prevent this STD from affecting other people, as highlighted by Planned Parenthood

There are techniques that you can follow to help prevent syphilis from affecting you. Avoiding vaginal, anal or oral sex is the most effective preventive measure against syphilis, but if you're sexually active, here are ways that can help you lower your syphilis risk:1,2,3

• Abstaining or being monogamous: Monogamous sexual contact with an uninfected partner who has been tested for this STD is the next best option, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoiding sexual contact with multiple partners can also greatly help reduce syphilis risk.

• Using latex condoms the right way during sexual contact: Correct and consistent use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse is important. Condoms can help prevent STD transmission by inhibiting contact with a sore and protecting the infected area or site of potential exposure.

However, keep in mind that sores can develop in areas that aren’t covered by a condom, which can still lead to syphilis transmission, so using condoms does not provide 100 percent guarantee that you’ll be safe from this STD.4

• Avoiding sharing of sex toys: These items can pass STDs and blood-borne infections, especially if used irresponsibly and not cleaned properly.5

• Avoiding recreational drug use: Apart from the other devastating health consequences of drugs, STDs like syphilis may be transmitted through using shared needles.

Testing for Syphilis

Screening and testing for STDs like syphilis, especially if you’re sexually active, can be beneficial.6 The same principle applies if you have a partner or partners who tested positive for syphilis, are living with HIV or if you’re a man who has sexual intercourse with other men.

It’s also advised that all pregnant women must be tested for syphilis during their first prenatal visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests having an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider or your doctor and inquire if you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs.7

What Should You Do If You Test Positive for Syphilis?

Once you’ve received test results, discuss it with your partner.8 Notifying your partner about your status is a critical component in preventing the transfer of syphilis, as noted by the CDC.9 Should you find out that you have syphilis, do not panic. Syphilis can be cured and there are other ways to make sure you prevent this STD from affecting other people, as highlighted by Planned Parenthood:10

Notify past and present sexual partners about your syphilis diagnosis so they may get tested and treated too.

Avoid having sexual contact with anyone until you have finished treatment and syphilis sores are completely healed.

Make sure that your partner/s has also been treated for syphilis before having sexual intercourse with anyone, including you.

After finishing treatment, use condoms the right way during sexual intercourse.

While informing someone that you have syphilis isn’t necessarily good news, it’s best to try not to be embarrassed or stressed out about it since, as mentioned earlier, this STD can be cured.

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If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.